In 2007-08 Australia's total primary energy production was estimated at 17,452 PJ (table 19.5) of which black coal accounted for half (50%), followed by uranium (27%), natural gas (11%) and crude oil (5%). Renewable energy production (including wood, bagasse, biofuel, hydro-electricity and solar thermal energy) accounted for only 2% (290 PJ) of total production in 2007-08.

In the period 2002-03 to 2007-08, Australia's total energy production increased by 2,089 PJ (14%). This was due to increased production of non-renewable energy sources - black coal (up 1,391 PJ), uranium (up 437 PJ), and natural gas (up 388 PJ). Only the production of crude oil significantly decreased over the period 2002-03 to 2007-08 (down 279 PJ). In the same period, total renewable energy production increased by 9% - from 266 PJ in 2002-03 to 290 PJ in 2007-08.

Graphs 19.6 and 19.7 show longer-term trends in the production of non-renewable and renewable energy fuels. Over the period 1977-78 to 2007-08 the production of non-renewable fuels has shown an upward trend, increasing from 3,733 PJ in 1977-78 to 17,070 PJ in 2007-08 (up 357%). However, there has been relatively little growth in the production of renewable energy fuels, which only increased from 202 PJ in 1977-78 to 290 PJ in 2007-08 (up 44%).